We are staying at the Holiday Inn in Kuala Lumpar and the
Casurina Inn at Penang for our honeymoon in June. Has anyone
been there and could you give us any ideas or recommendations
of what to expect.

Holiday Inn in KL is OK. Near the shopping and commercial area. They run shuttle bus to the shopping area every 2 hours. But one way only, you need to take a taxi to return. Taxi fare is reasonable but the traffic jam is terrible.

No comment for the INN at Penang. Actually I stayed at Holiday Inn Resort Penang in my last trip. The hotel is at a very prime location. The night market and famous Edens seafood restaurant are within 1 minute walk. Casurina Inn is at the adjacant also. Don't miss the Edens Seafood Restaurant, very excellent seafood.

Read with interest your comments on Penang. Considering the Cathay Pacific current offer of $899 to travel to Asia. Uncertain if political situation in Indonesia makes Bali a good plan. Cathay flies to Penang--wondering what you thought of beaches, snorkeling and food. Alternative for me is to go to Phuket/Phi Phi Island, although I will have to make alternative air arrangements as Cathay does not fly to Phuket. Any comments on your Penang experience would be most appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bob Crawford

The beaches in Penang is terrible. The water is heavily polluted and dark in color. No one will swim at the beaches nor snokling. However, the hotels in Penang are excellent. Due to the deflation of Malaysian Ringit, the hotel, transporation and dinning are all very very reasonable in Malaysia.

There are many beautiful hotels in Penang. Swim in the swimming pool or just take a sun-bath is relaxing.

Food in Penang is excellent too. I think they have the best food in SE Asia. Eden is the best seafood restaurant in Penang, but a little more expensive. Go to the Gurney Drive, tons of food stalls for you to explore.

I have bookmarked some good site about Penang, e-mail me if you are interested.

Hi, I have been twice in Malaysia and I recommend you not to go to the west coast but to the east one. Kuala Lumpur is great, specially the night market, and Penang has nothing but hotels. Double check the weather conditions in June but I think are much better at Tioman and Perhentian Kecil and Besar Islands, and they are amazing places to relax, sunbathing and playing volleyball. Very clear water!! If you have time, try to go to Kota Bahru and experience the traditional Malaysia. Enjoy!!

We have just returned from a holiday in Malaysia. We stayed at the Pelangi Beach Resort on Langkawi which was so beautiful. The pool was wonderful. Highly reccommended is a trek into the jungle back on the mainland to the Taman Negara National Park. Very hot but worth the effort. we did a lot of travelling around so if anyone wants any info, please ask.

Along the same lines, I need info about cost of hiring a guide for Taman Negara and how long it will take if I don't climb mountain. Thanks!

Dear Gill,

I would be interested in hearing more about your travels. I am
getting a little concerned about the reports of murky waters
and smog. Is Penang a tropical isle as the brochures describe
or is there more we should know.

Kind regards,

jane

I'm leaving for Penang on Tuesday and would like to hear more about it. I was supposed to be heading to Bali, but after hearing of all the troubles in Indonesia changed my plans this morning. I don't know much about Penang and Malaysia, so any comments or suggestions would be much appreciated...

<BR>Would welcome any specific suggestions for East Coast in general and and Kota Bharu in particular. Better to go up from JB or across from KL or Penang? Thanks.

Depending at which airport you land. If you come via Singapore, then up from JB. I am from Penang, I like the drive from Penang to the east coast on the east-west highway, spectacular view. Go to Terengganu, go to Merang not Marang, and take a boat to Pulau Redang and you will have the time of your life scuba and snorkelling. Depending on your budget, you can stay at Berjaya resort or at smaller chalets in Pasir Panjang. I like Pasir Panjang.

<BR>Sally -- Thanks for your message. Will be flying into Singapore so maybe will plan on heading up to Tioman or vicinity (Berjaya might be do-able if prices are as good as I hear) for a few days, then further up East Coast to wherever (?) before going acrosos to Penang, KL, Melaka and back to Singapore. Does that sound reasonable for a two-week trip, beginning Aug 1? Also, do you think we (two guys) need to be nervous about finding decent mid-range places to stay without advance bookings?

Barry--There shouldn't be any problems for two guys finding accomodation. You are smart to make use of the current favourable exchange rate and reduced rate of accomodation. Welcome to Malaysia. I am going on a weekend cruise beginning 31 July. Could say hello to you if you are still in Penang when i am back.

<BR>sally -- thanks for your message. Will indeed try to e-mail you from someplace in penang. any idea for hotel?

Any info you have about vacationing in MAlaysia would be greatly appreciated. Penang has been recommended, but I'm concerned about reports of polluted waters. Not at all familiar with the East Coast. My husband and I would be coming from Singapore. What Islands would you recomend?? Thanks!